Katy Trail Forum

Busy place...no wonder...the food was GOOD. We had pork roast/stuffing/gravy...green beans cooked with ham. Topped it all off with cobbler a la mode...one blackberry (tart sweet like I like it) and one cherry. Nice atmosphere. Clean bathrooms. Very homestyle through and through.

Loved it also. Great burgers. Sorry, misspelled it on an earlier post.

We stopped for lunch and had the fried chicken special. Good.

We eat at Dotty's everytime we're in Hartsburg. Food, & service are always great,cobbler & pies are always fresh, & everyone is so friendly. Now that they are in their new SMOKE FREE location, it's even better!!!

We came through Augusta 6/22, riding our bikes on the Katy Trail. We ate lunch here, and were very hot and tired when we arrived, and after looking at us, they immediately brought plenty of water and ice tea. We had a nice lunch, and then ate dinner there that evening too. We enjoyed the food, and the atmosphere. Apparently in Augusta on weeknights the whole town shuts down by 5pm, so this is the only place to eat dinner those nights anyway, but we did really like it. Since we were staying at the Wine Country Inn, and breakfast here was part of the B&B package, we asked if we could eat earlier the next morning (instead of the scheduled 8:30 - 9:30am time), and the manager very happily came in early the next morning and had a huge breakfast ready for us at 7am. Thanks for going the extra mile for us!

We stayed here 6/22/06 in the Turnball Suite and thought it was great. We had finished our first day, biking from St. Charles, and were hot and tired. When we arrived in town we first ate lunch at Ashley's Rose/White House Restaurant, and they let us check in early. The room was beautiful, the bed was soooo comfortable, and we loved having the common room and balcony with seating available. We were the only guests that night, so we had the place to ourselves. There was a small fridge in the common area we could put our water bottles in for the next day, and store the bottle of wine we bought in the afternoon at the Augusta Winery, for sharing out on the balcony that evening. Although there was no TV, we enjoyed the books they had available (although my husband didn't finish his so will have to search for it at our local library) and the peace and quiet. We wanted to get on the trail early the next day, so the manager at Ashley's Rose came in early the next morning and fed us breakfast at 7 am, instead of having to wait until 8:30 as scheduled. There is even a nice swimming pool out back, which we didn't know about ahead of time, but we were told it was for guest use. If we ever come back by Augusta, we'll definitely want to stay here again.

The store looked closed down...does anyone out there know?

The store looked closed down...does anyone out there know?

Claysville store was closed that weekend to be able to attend and enjoy their daughters graduation. I only know this because I called and got the answer machine. Is is open only on the weekends, they both work full time jobs. Saturday 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Sunday 11:30am to 4:00pm, holiday mondays they open for lunch. The menu is limited on the weekend it is fried chicken and ham, on holidays it can be brauts and burgers or porksteaks. I have eaten there once and the food was good.

Claysville store was closed that weekend to be able to attend and enjoy their daughters graduation. I only know this because I called and got the answer machine. Is is open only on the weekends, they both work full time jobs. Saturday 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Sunday 11:30am to 4:00pm, holiday mondays they open for lunch. The menu is limited on the weekend it is fried chicken and ham, on holidays it can be brauts and burgers or porksteaks. I have eaten there once and the food was good.

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

If it wasn't for bad luck then you might have been able to eat at claysville store. It seems lately that they have been closed a lot. I think that in the recent months they have closed for a graduation, a death in the family, an anniversary.

If it wasn't for bad luck then you might have been able to eat at claysville store. It seems lately that they have been closed a lot. I think that in the recent months they have closed for a graduation, a death in the family, an anniversary.

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

I telephoned before trying to go down there last weekend (i.e. the weekend of June 17/18). The message on their answering machine indicated that they would be closed due to their daughter's wedding ... a pretty righteous excuse in my book. I just telephoned them again to verify they'd be open this coming weekend, and they will be. Though it's not required to make reservations, the person I spoke with said they always appreciated getting a call to let them know folks were on their way.

I telephoned before trying to go down there last weekend (i.e. the weekend of June 17/18). The message on their answering machine indicated that they would be closed due to their daughter's wedding ... a pretty righteous excuse in my book. I just telephoned them again to verify they'd be open this coming weekend, and they will be. Though it's not required to make reservations, the person I spoke with said they always appreciated getting a call to let them know folks were on their way.

http://www.digitaltalk.com/ClaysvilleCafe/claysville_strore_and_cafe.htm



This is the link for the store. I did find out they will be closed this weekend as I called to make a reservation, disappointing, but it is family run and they will not be open. They will open again the weekend of the 7th. They do have an answering machine for messages at the number listed on the link above. They are only open Saturday from 4 to 8, and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. They do take reservations, but it is not required. For large groups I would however recommend you do call.

http://www.digitaltalk.com/ClaysvilleCafe/claysville_strore_and_cafe.htm



This is the link for the store. I did find out they will be closed this weekend as I called to make a reservation, disappointing, but it is family run and they will not be open. They will open again the weekend of the 7th. They do have an answering machine for messages at the number listed on the link above. They are only open Saturday from 4 to 8, and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. They do take reservations, but it is not required. For large groups I would however recommend you do call.

I believe the hours of the store are Saturday and Sunday. They open up at 4:00 and not sure when they close. It is indeed still open and now advertising a bit more, and can get quite busy. They are open for Sunday just for lunch from 11:00 till 2:00 I think.



They may be open for Friday evening meals too, but I'll respond back later to update on those hours if open.



It is excellent food and good prices and all homeade!



Very nice, clean and new interior, and lots of food served at their prices. They also cater to large groups and have plenty of room!

This was our favorite B&B. The owner, Rick, was very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. People hung out in the common rooms to talk or sat out on the wrap around porch. The breakfast was huge and fabulous and we had a brownie with ice cream for a night snack! Our room was nicely decorated and clean with a very comfortable bed. If you want, he'll pick you up or give you a ride to the trail but we rode there without a hitch.

This was our favorite B&B. The owner, Rick, was very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. People hung out in the common rooms to talk or sat out on the wrap around porch. The breakfast was huge and fabulous and we had a brownie with ice cream for a night snack! Our room was nicely decorated and clean with a very comfortable bed. If you want, he'll pick you up or give you a ride to the trail but we rode there without a hitch.

Our experience was the same as above! It was wonderful. Rick joined us on the porch for an evening beverage. We talked, laughed, learned about Hermann, and had an enjoyable, relaxing evening after a short ride on the trail. We were joined by the other guests on the porch and we exchanged experiences. Our room was very clean, comfortable and quiet. The bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was a delicious feast and we also had the brownie/ice cream experience as a bedtime snack. Both Rick and his wife Dianne were wonderful hosts. Our group highly recommends this experience. It was the first B&B for me. I'd return in minute. A note on Hermann, not much going on Monday or Tuesday and we tried to find a place to eat after our ride which was about 8:30pm on a Monday - choices - subway, caseys, pizza hut. Try Birks - you won't regret it.

Our experience was the same as above! It was wonderful. Rick joined us on the porch for an evening beverage. We talked, laughed, learned about Hermann, and had an enjoyable, relaxing evening after a short ride on the trail. We were joined by the other guests on the porch and we exchanged experiences. Our room was very clean, comfortable and quiet. The bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was a delicious feast and we also had the brownie/ice cream experience as a bedtime snack. Both Rick and his wife Dianne were wonderful hosts. Our group highly recommends this experience. It was the first B&B for me. I'd return in minute. A note on Hermann, not much going on Monday or Tuesday and we tried to find a place to eat after our ride which was about 8:30pm on a Monday - choices - subway, caseys, pizza hut. Try Birks - you won't regret it.

Catch the Katy 2006 was a great ride! I personally had a great time.



I was told that we would have an opportunity to fill out the survey online if we were unable to complete it at the last stop. I haven't as of yet found it on line. Can anyone give me a hint as where to go.

Thanks so much.



See ya on the trail

You can e-mail DNR to get the link to the survey. moparks @ dnr.mo.gov

Someone mentioned the 4 Trails Restaurant. I couldn't find a phone number, so I called Casey's General Store and got it. 848-3500. Home cooked food, breads, pies, cinnamon rolls. Open from 6am-7pm. It is located next to the high school. The owner said to take the viaduct (which is also Hwy 5) to town, turn left and it's next to the pool and high school. Hope it's good. We're going on Saturday.

Anyone know of a nice trail segment where we can B&B for two nights anc cyle for three? Thanks - Nil

Depends on how far you want to bike each day. A good trip is to leave your vehicle at Hermann, and catch the AMTRACK to Sedelia. From there bike to Rocheport where there are several B & B's. Then bike the next day to Jeff City where there are both B & B's and motels. Then on to Hermann on the third day. Or you can go the other way and bike from St. Charles to Jeff City and catch the Amtrack back. Good stopping places would be B & B's at Marthasville, and Bluffton. You'll have to use a shuttle from the AMTRACK station to the trailhead at St. Charles

A couple friends a I did a 3 day, 2 night ride a few months ago. On day 1, we parked at Sedalia and rode Amtrak to Washington. The train ride took a few hours and we were there before 1 pm. Then we rode about 40 miles to Hermann for the first night. On day 2 we rode 50 miles to Hartsburg, where we stayed at the Globe Hotel. Then on day 3 we rode 75 miles back to Sedalia. Here are some photos from that ride.

http://www.pbase.com/rkymthiker/katytrail_2006&page=all

I am planning a trip for early October to cover the total length of the Katy Trail. I will be riding my Fuji road bike, but my question is about my wheels. On the bike currently, I have a set of Performance Titan Forte Aero wheels. I was riding on the street the other day and broke a spoke. This makes me question the strength of the wheels. They only have 16 spoke on the front and 20 on the rear. I have the stock wheels that came on the bike which are also aero wheels but they have the standard type and number of spokes. I plan to have probably 40-50 pounds of gear on the bike. I weigh about 165. Just wondering if anyone had ridden the Katy with aero wheels or if I would be better off with my stock wheels. Thanks in advance!

I have Rolf Vigor Tandem on my tandem (of course). 20 bladed spokes on the front and 24 on the rear. Apparently, I'm the only owner of these wheels on record to bend a rim. I've bent 3. All on the road. I've had no trouble whatsoever on the KATY with these wheels. However, if I were you, I err on the side of caution and go with more spokes. You won't lose much speed and I'd take the durability with that much weight hanging on the bike. I'd also encourage you to be more spartan and warn you not to carry more than 15 pound in your pack.

I believe that one of the most functional suggestions I've ever seen regarding what to take involves putting what you are going to take on the floor, look at it again, take out what may be superfulous, do it again. Whatever you take, you have to haul (wherever you go, there you are), but in the final analysis you might utilize Freewheelin' Frank's (of the Fabulous Furry Freakbrothers), take on it and that is....better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Just a thought. You might also check Adventure Cycling website wherein they have a suggested list for "long" bikecamping sojourns. Regards...Mark of the Dalton Boys

If your are breaking spokes on the road then you are asking for trouble on the trail. An average weight of 250 pounds is about all that a most wheels will take. I would forgo the light racing wheels and opt for 36 spoke, triple cross. Your weakest link on a wheel is where the elbo of the spoke inserts into the flange on the hub. The drive side of the rear wheel will always have the most failures and when one fails others will follow. This can be a costly repair in more ways than one if you can not fix it yourself.

Call Hartsburg Cycle Depot and ask them for a recommendation. They deal with folks on the

Trail all the time. Pam and Mark are the owners and they are just fabulous people and I am

sure they will help you out.

Mark, what a Blessing you are. Came in Tuesday, on your day off, and you postponed a trip to town to repair 4 broken spokes. Looking forward to the new wheels you are building me to solve the problem. Thanks for saving my trip and making my experience on the Katy trail an enjoyable one.

Mark, what a Blessing you are. Came in Tuesday, on your day off, and you postponed a trip to town to repair 4 broken spokes. Looking forward to the new wheels you are building me to solve the problem. Thanks for saving my trip and making my experience on the Katy trail an enjoyable one.

Mark is the greatest! Hope you enjoy your new wheels!

Mark is the greatest! Hope you enjoy your new wheels!

My wife and I have eaten here in the past and had a great time. This Saturday we went in and were told we weren't dressed appropriately. We just finished doing the entire trail, showered that morning and had clean clothes on. I guess my Katy Trail tank top was offensive to them. I'm 50 years old and haven't had anyone for at least 30 years say I wasn't dressed appropriately. My money is the same color and anyone else's and I won't buy their t-shirts so I can eat there.

I had the same experience a few years ago, except they loaned me a t-shirt to wear. (They require the men-folk to where shirts with sleeves.) I have eaten there 3 or 4 times and found the food and service to be 'average' at best.

I've eaten there a few times but originally went because of the beer. As micro brews go, it's not much above average but considering the restaurant is in Budweiser country I'm not surprised at the beer being on the thin side. I have yet to try the beer in Augusta.

I sent an email to the owner on 5/30 asking about their policy, but never got a response back. Just be aware that you may be turned away if you try to eat here in your exercise clothes.

We have tried both Trailhead and Augusta Brewing, and prefer Augusta Brewing Co. In fact, we will be there tomorrow after our ride!

We own and operate Lococo House B&B and to our surprise our guests went out to dinner at the Trailhead restaurant and were turned away , because the mens were wearing sleeveless shirts ----- this is a street of businesses that make its living off of the tourism trade ------ I dont understand this policy ------ I guess we will have to consider our guets attire before we sugest places to eat ---- on Main Street -------Rhona Lococo

I got a response back from the restaurant - looks like you'll be OK if you wear sleeves:



"It is important to us that our customers and potential customers feel welcome here at Trailhead. Our dress code is stated, and posted in our lobby as follows:



Male Guest- We certainly do not require ties and jackets, but we do ask your compliance to our no-sleeveless shirt policy.



Our hostess will happily loan you a clean “Trailgear” shirt while you enjoy dining at Trailhead Brewing Co.



Trailhead has had a longstanding dress code policy which requires adolescent and adult males to wear shirts with sleeves. The policy is designed to preserve the decorum and public perception of the restaurant. Under Trailhead’s policy, male patrons who do not have shirts which conform with the dress code policy are provided a clean shirt with sleeves by Trailhead which does conform with Trailhead’s dress code policy."

So, tube tops on women are okay, but seeing a man's upper arms damages the "decorum and

public perception"???? Oh my!!

–––Mental Note: Keep ridin to someplace that likes the decorum of green money.

Many restaurants ask that males wear shirt sleeves because of the hygiene issues (real or imagined) associated with body hair. In particular armpit hair. Since it is the societal norm for women to shave their armpits in this country, women are allowed to be served in these same establishements in spaghetti straps or even sleeveless dresses. However, most of these same establishments would turn away women in tube tops. No word on what would happen if a woman in a sundress sporting a Euorpean look tried to be served.

I applaud any business that demands a minimum level of decorum. Been on a crowded flight lately w/ some rube in an Indiana wife-beater shirt tucked in beside you? I will definitely patronize this place of business on my way through........

Dave in Cincinnati,



Most of the "rubes"I have ever met where from Ohio......be careful with the pot and kettle thing. To think that YOU of all people have ANYTHING on anyone west of your pathetic city is laughable.

Watch it, Cincinatti has the Dolly Parton building. Wait a minute, that's considered a joke, not a plum. Anyhow, we all now know the dress code for Trailhead and can vote with our respective pocketbooks and still love one another in spite of our homestate rivalries.

Ted, how can you elucidate your feeble rants whilst failing to observe the laws of the English language. And besides, we have some of the best riots East of the Mississippi.